Captain of the Mists MTG Card
2012-05-04 - Number 45
2016-02-26 - Number 24
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Human Wizard |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
Whenever another Human enters the battlefield under your control, untap Captain of the Mists. , : You may tap or untap target permanent.
"I am no mere ship's captain. The north wind is my accomplice. The tide is my first mate."
Cards like Captain of the Mists
Exploring the seas of Magic: The Gathering, Captain of the Mists stands out as a unique human wizard with a knack for controlling the battlefield. This card brings to mind cards with similar ability to untap or tap another target creature. For instance, Gideon’s Lawkeeper offers similar tapping ability but lacks the capacity to untap creatures, limiting its flexibility compared to the Captain. Meanwhile, Merfolk Trickster also allows players to manipulate creatures by tapping them or negating their abilities, but it only operates as a flash option without the untap utility.
Delving deeper into the realm of comparison, Coralhelm Commander comes forward, a merfolk with a level-up ability that eventually grants the power to take control by tapping or untapping creatures. However, this formidable ability requires a substantial mana investment to be fully accessibly. In contrast, the Captain of the Mists relies on its activated ability and doesn’t require additional mana to maintain control each turn.
When analyzing the capabilities of these creatures, Captain of the Mists secures a notable position for its versatile control options and immediate impact on the game’s dynamics. This makes it a viable and attractive option for decks that thrive on creature manipulation.
Cards similar to Captain of the Mists by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Captain of the Mists provides strategic card utility by allowing you to untap another target creature, potentially unfurling new opportunities with each turn and building card advantage with consistent use.
Resource Acceleration: This card can also serve as a source of resource acceleration. Its ability to untap creatures not only leads to repeatable utility but can also be harnessed to reactivate mana abilities of creatures, therefore accelerating your mana availability and overall resource access.
Instant Speed: With the capability to operate at instant speed, Captain of the Mists enhances your in-game agility. You can effectively disrupt opponents’ strategies during their turn or unlock unexpected combos during yours, affording a level of tactical flexibility that aligns well with many competitive decks.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Captain of the Mists requires a player to tap another untapped creature you control in addition to paying mana to use its ability. This can be disadvantageous in gameplay, as it limits your board presence and the number of creatures available to block or attack.
Specific Mana Cost: The Captain comes at a specific mana cost that includes double blue, which might not fit into every deck configuration, especially those that run on a tighter mana base or that are not attuned to a blue-centric strategy.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana and an activation cost for its ability, Captain of the Mists may compete with other three-drop slots in a deck that could potentially offer more immediate board impact or value in the mid-game phase.
Reasons to Include Captain of the Mists in Your Collection
Versatility: Captain of the Mists is a flexible addition to decks, owing to its utility in mana manipulation and creature control. It’s especially beneficial in blue-based decks that value tempo and the ability to adjust to different board states.
Combo Potential: This card can be instrumental in creating synergies with cards that benefit from tapping or untapping creatures. The ability to open up combo plays makes it a potent piece in intricate game strategies.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where creature strategies are prevalent, Captain of the Mists can serve as a critical control element, allowing you to disrupt your opponent’s plans while progressing your own agenda on the battlefield.
How to beat
Confronting Captain of the Mists can be a tactical challenge in MTG due to its ability to tap and untap creatures and artifacts with adeptness. This utility makes it a flexible annoyance, often thwarting incoming threats or liberating captive permanents. Its true potency, however, becomes apparent when paired with creatures that benefit from being untapped, serving as a springboard for intricate combos.
To counter this card effectively, consider including instant-speed removal in your deck, such as Murder or Path to Exile, which can disrupt the Captain’s influence before it establishes board control. Another efficient approach is using cards that prevent activated abilities from being utilized, such as Pithing Needle, rendering the Captain’s abilities inert. Strategic use of board wipes, too, could reset the playing field, negating the accumulated advantages the Captain affords. Therefore, while Captain of the Mists can deftly navigate the tides of battle, a well-timed disruption or targeted removal can ensure your victory remains on the horizon.
In summary, the key to defeating Captain of the Mists lies in readiness and precision, using swift removals to dismantle complex strategies that hinge on this card’s synergy with others.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Captain of the Mists MTG card by a specific set like Avacyn Restored and Duel Decks: Blessed vs. Cursed, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.
For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.
Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.
Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Captain of the Mists and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
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Printings
The Captain of the Mists Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2012-05-04 and 2016-02-26. Illustrated by Allen Williams.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2012-05-04 | Avacyn Restored | AVR | 45 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Allen Williams | |
| 2 | 2016-02-26 | Duel Decks: Blessed vs. Cursed | DDQ | 24 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Allen Williams |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Captain of the Mists has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |